How to Switch to a New State CNA Registry?

If you are working as a certified nursing assistant in any state of the U.S.A and planning to shift to a new state, then you must switch over your nurse aide certification to a new state CNA registry. Read this article to know about the procedure of switching to a new state CNA registry and reciprocity process.

Reciprocity Process

You must follow the procedure of reciprocity, for getting your nursing assistant certificate transferred to a new state. Reciprocity is a procedure in which the new state verifies your CNA certification.

• Contact to the former state CNA registry and request to issue an “application for enrolment by reciprocity”. Also enquire whether the application is required to send back to them or send it to the new state registry.
• After contacting with former state nurse aide registry, visit the CNA registry of the new state. Enquire whether they require the application to be sent by the former state registry or you personally need to submit it.
• For the authentication of CNA certificate, submit some documents like driver’s license, a replica of social security card, application from the former state and the proof of employment in the new state nurse aide registry.
• Send the application as per instructions. Ensure that the contact details and address, you are providing are correct.
• Put forward an “FBI background check” that includes criminal record verification and fingerprints.

Points to be remembered while switching to a New State CNA Registry

Keep in mind the following points while switching over your nurse aide certification to a new state CNA registry:

• “FBI background check” takes around 4 to 8 weeks to complete. So, file for this check as early as you can.
• Reciprocity process is not available in all the states of the U.S.A. Confirm whether this process is available in the state in which you are going to transfer.
• The states in which the reciprocity arrangement is not available, you have to re-take the CNA certification exam of the state.
• Don’t forget to note down the contact details of the persons, to whom you have contacted.
• Keep a copy of all the documents that has been send to the nurse aide registry.
• Don’t rely completely on the information furnished by the websites, as it is not updated. Collect the information personally.